Multifunctional outdoor shoe

ABSTRACT

Described are shoes, in particular mountain shoes, mountain running shoes, trail running shoes and climbing shoes, as well as methods for their manufacture. The shoe may include a shoe upper, a textile two-dimensional region connected to the shoe upper, which extends beneath a foot of a user of the shoe when worn, and an outsole unit with a rubber material. The textile two-dimensional region is connected to the rubber material of the outsole unit without a bonding agent.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to and claims priority benefits from GermanPatent Application No. DE 10 2014 213 303.3, filed on Jul. 9, 2014,entitled Multifunctional outdoor shoe, in particular mountain shoe,mountain running shoe, trail running shoe or climbing shoe, as well asmethod for its manufacture (“the '303.3 application”). The '303.3application is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by thisreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shoe, in particular a multifunctionaloutdoor shoe like a mountain shoe, mountain running shoe, a trailrunning shoe, a climbing shoe or an approach shoe, as well as a methodfor the manufacture of such a shoe.

BACKGROUND

By the use of soles, shoes are provided with a plethora of differentproperties, which may be developed to different degrees, depending onthe specific type of shoe.

In order to prevent, for example, injuries or overstraining of themusculoskeletal system of the user, a sole can provide stability to thefoot of the user and also lead to a cushioning of forces, which act onthe user of the shoe and, in particular, his foot during ground contactof the foot.

The sole and, in particular, the outsole of a shoe can also allow animproved traction of the shoe on the ground, in order to prevent, forexample, slipping of the user. This is of extraordinary importance, inparticular, for mountain running or -hiking, when doing via ferratas orwhen climbing, because slipping could potentially lead to a fall of theuser or severe injuries otherwise inflicted.

Furthermore, a shoe sole can protect the shoe from excessive wear by itsincreased abrasion resistance. This is important for mountain running or-hiking, doing via ferratas or climbing, too, as during theseactivities, high abrasion forces act on the sole that are caused by thehigh pressure with which the sole is pressed onto the ground and theoften very rough and stony ground conditions.

In addition, shoe soles usually serve protective purposes, for example,in order to protect the foot of the user from injuries, which may becaused by sharp or pointed objects on which the user may tread, forexample pointed stones or sharp rock ridges.

In order to provide the desired functionality, the use of vulcanizedrubber as material for outsoles is known from the prior art. Vulcanizedrubber distinguishes itself by good elasticity- and traction propertiesand is at the same time very abrasion resistant.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,947,173 discloses a shoe, in particular abathing shoe, wherein a heel filler and an arch stiffener connectedtherewith are enclosed by a rubber composition in a mold under theinfluence of pressure and heat.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,098,308 discloses a shoe with an outsole of moldablenon-porous rubber, which constitutes the wear surface of the shoe and isdirectly secured to an upper. In a vulcanizing process, the rubberenters into a direct connection with a welt of the upper.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,294,022 discloses boots for divers comprising asock made of elastomeric material, preferably covered by nylon fabric onone or two sides. The boot further comprises an outsole together with aback stay, a toe-cap and a foxing, made of non-cellular rubber anddirectly vulcanized as a unit on the sock. To this end, the sock iscovered with a neoprene base cement and subsequently with a naturalrubber base cement, prior to vulcanization.

The shoes known from the prior art may be less comfortable when worn fora longer period of time, in particular if the shoe upper is itselfformed from rubber, which can hence lead, for example, to an excessivesweating of the foot. Furthermore, the connection of the shoe upper tothe sole only exists in individual regions along the rim such that thestability of the shoe- and sole construction needed for climbing, forexample, may not be provided. In addition, the shoes known from theprior art require an increased manufacturing effort that may necessitatethe use of additional binders.

It is therefore, among other things, desirable to provide shoes, inparticular multifunctional outdoor shoes like mountain shoes, mountainrunning shoes, trail running shoes, climbing shoes, shoes for viaferratas or approach shoes, which are comfortable to wear over longerperiods of time and which comprise the stability and durability of theconnection of the sole to the shoe upper that is necessary for mountainrunning or mountain hiking, climbing or doing via ferratas. It may alsobe desirable to provide shoes that can be easily manufactured withoutthe use of additional binders.

The soles of the shoes may comprise the fraction and abrasion resistancethat is necessary for mountain running, mountain hiking or climbing andthe shoes should at the same time protect the foot of the user frominjuries. It may also be desirable to provide a method for themanufacture of such shoes, which should be as simple as possible andwhich allows refraining from the use of additional bonding agents orbinders and environmentally hazardous substances as far as possible.

SUMMARY

The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “thepresent invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly toall of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below.Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit thesubject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of thepatent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patentare defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is ahigh-level overview of various embodiments of the invention andintroduces some of the concepts that are further described in theDetailed Description section below. This summary is not intended toidentify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor isit intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of theclaimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood byreference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of thispatent, any or all drawings and each claim.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a shoecomprises: (a) a shoe upper; (b) a textile two-dimensional regionconnected to the shoe upper, which extends beneath a foot of a user ofthe shoe when worn; and (c) an outsole unit comprising a rubbermaterial, wherein the textile two-dimensional region is connected to therubber material of the outsole unit without a bonding agent.

In some embodiments, the textile two-dimensional region is connected tothe outsole unit by vulcanizing the rubber material.

In certain embodiments, the textile two-dimensional region occupies morethan 30% of a total area beneath the foot of the user.

The textile two-dimensional region, in some embodiments, comprises aStrobel sole.

In some embodiments, the entire textile two-dimensional region isconnected to the rubber material of the outsole unit.

The shoe upper, in certain embodiments, is connected to the rubbermaterial of the outsole unit without a bonding agent. In someembodiments, the shoe upper is connected to the outsole unit byvulcanizing the rubber material.

In certain embodiments, the textile two-dimensional region ismechanically connected to the rubber material of the outsole unit by therubber material at least partially permeating the textiletwo-dimensional region.

The textile two-dimensional region, in some embodiments, is chemicallyconnected to the rubber material of the outsole unit.

In some embodiments, the outsole unit is integrally formed as a singlepiece that comprises a tread surface and at least one of the following:a toe cap; a lateral side wing; a medial side wing; and a heel cap. Theheel cap, in certain embodiments, is integrally formed as a single piecewith the outsole unit such that a heel of a user stretches a material ofthe heel cap so that the heel cap contours the heel of the user whenworn.

The outsole unit, in some embodiments, is integrally formed as a singlepiece that comprises at least one of: at least one first profile elementin a forefoot region, which comprises an indentation disposed on asurface of the at least one first profile element and arranged in adirection of a heel of a wearer when worn; and at least one secondprofile element in a heel region, which comprises an indentationdisposed on a surface of the at least one second profile element andarranged in a direction of toes of wearer when worn.

In certain embodiments, the outsole unit is integrally formed as asingle piece that comprises at least one third profile element, whereinthe at least one third profile element is arranged at a rim of theoutsole unit, wherein the at least one third profile element comprises adefined edge at the rim.

The shoe, in some embodiments, further comprises a releasable insole. Incertain embodiments, the releasable insole comprises a shell element anda cushioning region, wherein the shell element comprises a largerdeformation stiffness than the cushioning region. In some embodiments,the shell element comprises reinforcement wings in a medial region and alateral region of toe joints.

In certain embodiments, the releasable insole comprises at least one ofthe following: a heel support; a midfoot support; a recess for anelectronic component; and a reinforcement foil in at least one of aforefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, wherein thereinforcement foil comprises thermoplastic polyurethane. Thereinforcement foil, in some embodiments, increases a stiffness of thereleasable insole.

In some embodiments, the rubber material comprises at least one of thefollowing materials: butyl-rubber, butadiene-rubber, natural rubber,styrene-butadiene-rubber, and nitrile-rubber.

The rubber material, in certain embodiments, comprises nitrile-rubbercomprising at least one of the following materials in parts:ethylene-vinyl-acetate, lignosulfonate, and silanes.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a method ofmanufacturing a shoe comprises: (a) positioning a mounting in a moldingarrangement, wherein a shoe upper and a textile two-dimensional regionconnected to the shoe upper, which extends beneath a foot of a user ofthe shoe when worn, are arranged on the mounting; (b) positioning atleast one sole material comprising a rubber material in at least onerecess located in at least one of the molding arrangement, the shoeupper, and the textile two-dimensional region; (c) closing the moldingarrangement; and (d) connecting the rubber material to the textiletwo-dimensional region without a bonding agent.

In some embodiments, step (d) comprises vulcanizing the rubber materialunder at least one of pressure and heat. The vulcanizing in step (d), incertain embodiments, is performed under the following conditions: atemperature in the closed molding arrangement of 150° C.-200° C.; aclosing force of the molding arrangement of 100 kg-200 kg; and aduration of the vulcanization process of 5 min-15 min.

The molding arrangement, in certain embodiments, comprises at least onefixed part and a plurality of movable mold parts that form anessentially closed molding space after closing the molding arrangementin step (c). In some embodiments, prior to closing the moldingarrangement in step (c), a two-dimensional piece of the at least onesole material is positioned within a corresponding recess of at leastone of the plurality of movable mold parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, embodiments of the invention aredescribed referring to the following figures:

FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, and 1 d are perspective views of a shoe, accordingto certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 e is a detail view of a sole of the shoe of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 1 f is a rear view of the shoe of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 1 g is a front view of the shoe of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 1 h is a cross-sectional view of the shoe of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 1 i is a detail view of a heel region of the shoe of FIG. 1 h.

FIG. 1 j is a top view of a shoe, according to certain embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, and 2 d are perspective views of an insole,according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are perspective views of a molding arrangement,according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, and 4 d are graphs showing experimental datarelated to friction, according to certain embodiments of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to an aspect of the invention, this problem is at leastpartially solved by a shoe, in particular by a multifunctional outdoorshoe, for example a mountain shoe, a mountain running shoe, a climbingshoe, a shoe for doing via ferratas or an approach shoe, which comprisesa shoe upper and a textile two-dimensional region connected to the shoeupper, which extends beneath the foot of the user of the shoe. The shoefurther comprises an outsole unit with a rubber material. Herein, thetwo-dimensional region is connected to the rubber material of theoutsole unit without a bonding agent.

The shoe upper may be provided in such a manner that the desired wearingcomfort is achieved. The shoe upper can, in particular, be breathablebut at the same time impermeable to water and dirt and it can conform tothe shape of the foot of a user or user without creating uncomfortablepressure points. To this end, the shoe upper may, for example, comprisea textile fabric from natural and/or synthetic materials, for examplepolyester, PET-polyester or polyamide. In some embodiments, the materialof the shoe upper is heat- and color stable so that it does not getdiscolored or loses its structure during a manufacturing process (likethe one more closely described further below, for example).

Further, because the outsole unit is connected to the textiletwo-dimensional region that extends beneath the foot, a particularlyresistant and durable connection of the outsole unit and the shoe upperconnected to the textile two-dimensional region is created, compared toa connection only existing at the rim of the sole, which can alsowithstand the high loads occurring during hiking or climbing.

The textile design of the two-dimensional region further allows that therubber material of the outsole unit forms a matrix material with thetwo-dimensional region during the manufacture, wherein a mechanicalconnection can exist—for example by the rubber material flowing into oraround openings, loops, honeycombs or other structures of the textiletwo-dimensional region—and on the other hand a chemical connection canexist, wherein the chemical connection may be achieved through thechoice of the rubber material and/or the material of the textiletwo-dimensional region without additional bonding agents or binders. Insome embodiments, a mechanical as well as a chemical connection iscreated, such that the connection is particularly durable and resistant.

The rubber material may be a vulcanized or partially vulcanized rubbermaterial, for example on the basis of natural rubber (caoutchouc). Itis, however, pointed out that, within this document, all materials areimplied by the term rubber material that, after conclusion of themanufacturing process, comprise properties that are similar or equal tothose of vulcanized rubber, in particular similar properties withrespect to abrasion resistance, elasticity and traction on differentgrounds. The rubber material may hence also be a thermo-formable plasticor something similar.

The use of such a rubber material in the outsole unit further allowsproviding the outsole unit with the abrasion resistance, fraction andelasticity that are desirable, in particular, for multifunctionaloutdoor shoes like mountain shoes, mountain running shoes, climbingshoes, shoes for doing via ferratas or an approach shoe. Herein, theoutsole unit may exclusively be comprised of the rubber material or itmay comprise additional materials of functional elements. The outsoleunit can, for example, comprise additional reinforcing elements or arecess for an electronic chip (GPS), for example for determining theposition of the user in cases of emergency, and so forth. Possible isalso an RFID or NFC chip, which comprises information about the shoe(for example manufacturer, size, model, color, intended field of use,promotional videos, and so forth).

It is explicitly mentioned in this context that the outsole unit mayalso comprise different rubber materials in different partial regions.For example, a particularly abrasion resistant rubber material at therim of the sole may be combined with a rubber material providingparticular high traction in regions in which the sole will primarilycontact the ground, in order to avoid fast wear at the rim of the soleand in order to increase the traction of the sole at the rim, while atthe same time prevent slipping or sliding of the user. Or a particularlyabrasion resistance rubber material in the forefoot region may becombined with a rubber material in the heel region providing aparticularly high traction, in order to minimize the wear duringpush-off over the forefoot during climbing and to prevent slipping whentreading on the heel. These are merely two possible examples for thecombination of different rubber materials, and further possibilities arepossible for the skilled person.

In the following, further embodiments of inventive shoes are described.Explicit reference is, however, made to the fact that thesepossibilities are to be understood as optional and need not be presentin all embodiments of inventive shoes.

The two-dimensional region may, in particular, be connected to theoutsole unit by vulcanizing of the rubber material.

As base material, in particular, unvulcanized rubber may be considered,wherein, as already mentioned, in different partial regions of theoutsole unit, different materials or mixtures of materials may be used,in order to influence the properties of the outsole unit locally. Inaddition, partially or entirely vulcanized rubber in a mix withunvulcanized rubber may be used in partial regions of the outsole unit.

In some embodiments, the two-dimensional region occupies more than 30%of the total area beneath the foot of the user. The two-dimensionalregion occupies more than 50% of the total area beneath the foot of theuser in certain embodiments. Furthermore, in some embodiments, thetwo-dimensional region occupies more than 80% of the total area beneaththe foot of the user.

The higher the percentage of the total area beneath the user that isoccupied by the two-dimensional region, the higher the resistance anddurability of the connection between the outsole unit and thetwo-dimensional region may be and therefore also the connection to theshoe upper. In particular, compared to a connection existing only at therim of the sole, this can increase the lifetime and stability of theshoe and hence its suitability for, for example, doing via ferratas orclimbing.

The two-dimensional region may, in particular, be provided as a Strobelsole.

Strobel soles are often used for the manufacture of sports shoes andthey are hence easily obtained and processed. Furthermore, they allowfurther influencing of the flexibility- and stability properties of theshoe and, in particular, the shoe upper in a beneficial manner.

In some embodiments, the two-dimensional region is board lasted, thattogether with the shoe upper it comprises a moccasin-construction, thatit is glued to the shoe upper, or that it comprises a combination ofthese possible ways of construction.

It is possible that the entire two-dimensional region is connected tothe rubber material of the outsole unit.

By such a connection over the entire two-dimensional region, theresistance and durability of the connection between the rubber materialof the outsole unit and the textile two-dimensional region and hence theshoe upper may be further increased. In principle, it is, however, alsopossible that the rubber material of the outsole unit is only connectedto the textile two-dimensional region in partial regions thereof. Thismay, for example, be desirable if certain regions of the foot or thesole of the foot shall be provided with a larger degree of freedom ofmovement. Moreover, such a partial connection may also be used forproviding, for example, ventilation openings in the unconnected regions.

Furthermore, the shoe upper may be connected to the rubber material ofthe outsole unit without a bonding agent.

This allows further influencing of the stability, durability, traction,elasticity properties, suitability for climbing, impermeability towater, and so forth of the shoe as desired. Also here, a matrix materialmay form during the manufacture, wherein on the one hand a mechanicalconnection may exist—for example by the rubber material flowing into oraround openings, loops, honeycombs or different structures of the shoeupper, in particular if the shoe upper also comprises a textilefabric—and on the other hand a chemical connection may exist, whereinthe chemical connection may be achieved without additional bondingagents or binders due to the choice of the rubber material and/or of thematerial of the shoe upper. In certain embodiments, a mechanical as wellas a chemical connection exists.

The shoe upper may be connected to the outsole unit by vulcanizing ofthe rubber material.

In this context, and as already explained just now, a matrix materialmay form of the vulcanized rubber material of the outsole unit and thematerial of the shoe upper, in particular a textile material of the shoeupper. In this way, layers of the rubber material with different layerthicknesses may be connected to the shoe upper in a durable and abrasionresistant manner. It is, for example, possible that thin layers withlayer thicknesses of <2 mm or <1.5 mm, but also very thin layers withlayer thicknesses of <1 mm are connected to the shoe upper in a durableand abrasion resistant manner. Just as well, however, thicker layerswith layer thicknesses >2 mm or even >3 mm or >5 mm may be connectedwith the shoe upper in a durable and abrasion resistant manner, too. Inparticular, with respect to the possibility of such thin layers, it ismentioned that in conventional gluing methods for the manufacture ofoutsoles, rubber in such thin layers could easily tear when it is pulledinto shape and glued.

It is further pointed out that the layer thickness of the rubbermaterial may also vary across the outsole unit. For example, in theregion of the toes and/or the heel, a rubber layer with a larger layerthickness may be vulcanized onto the two-dimensional region and the shoeupper, in order to create a stable toe-/heel cap in this manner (seebelow). Simultaneously, the shoe upper may be protected by a thin rubberlayer without a significant weight increase from the ingress of dirt andwater by the rubber material of the outsole unit, for example in theregion above the forefoot/instep or at the rims of the foot.

It is possible that the two-dimensional region and/or the shoe upper aremechanically connected to the outsole unit. This possibility has alreadybeen pointed out several times. A mechanical connection can, forexample, be created by the rubber material of the outsole unit flowinginto or around openings, loops, honeycombs or different structures ofthe two-dimensional region and/or the shoe upper, such that a matrixmaterial forms. Herein, thin (<2 mm or <1.5 mm), very thin (<1 mm), aswell as thicker layers (for example >2 mm, >3 mm or >5 mm) of the rubbermaterial may be connected to the two-dimensional region and/or the shoeupper.

The rubber material may, in particular, have at least partiallypermeated the two-dimensional region and/or the shoe upper and in thismanner lead to a mechanical connection. Such a mechanical connection maybe particularly close and hence resistant and durable.

It is further also possible that the two-dimensional region and/or theshoe upper are chemically connected to the outsole unit.

The two-dimensional region and/or the shoe upper can, in particular, beconnected to the outsole unit both mechanically as well as chemically.

A chemical connection of the outsole unit to the two-dimensional regionand/or the shoe upper can, for example during the vulcanizing, beachieved without bonding agents or binders, if the rubber material andthe material of the two-dimensional region and/or the shoe upper arechosen suitable to this end. As possible material for the shoe upper,polyester, PET-polyester or polyamide have already been mentioned.Further possible materials and components of the rubber material, whichmay, in particular, allow such a chemical connection without additionalbonding agents or binders, will be described further below.

The outsole unit may be integrally provided as a single piece and inaddition to a tread surface comprise at least one of the followingelements: a toe cap, a lateral side wing, a medial side wing, a heelcap.

Since the rubber material of the outsole unit comprises high elasticityand abrasion resistance in certain embodiments, these elements canparticularly well adapt to the foot of the user and protect it fromwater, dirt and injuries. In addition, they can increase the durabilityof the shoe in these regions. These desirable effects are furtherpromoted by the integral design of the outsole unit. These elements canalso serve the purpose to selectively adjust and increase the stabilityof the shoe and its sole in individual regions. For example, by the useof such side wings, a sliding of the foot in a sideward direction may beprevented or hampered.

The heel cap may, in particular, be integrally provided as a singlepiece together with the outsole unit in such a manner that the heel ofthe user leads to a stretching of the material of the heel cap such thatthe heel cap nestles against the heel of the user.

The heel cap can, for example, be designed and dimensioned in such amanner that it is somewhat narrower than the heel of the user and/orcomprises a certain degree of “pre-tension”. When donning the shoe, thematerial of the heel cap is then initially stretched, such that arestoring force is created in the material. This restoring force leadsto the heel cap nestling against the heel of the user and abutting it asprecisely fitting as possible, which can result in a good fit of theshoe and a good stabilization of the foot. In addition, this can helpavoid formation of blisters at the heel. In particular, the use of arubber material in the outsole unit and the heel cap is beneficial inthis context, as rubber may be very elastic and can therefore promotethis nestling effect.

In addition, the heel cap can itself be provided with sufficientstability such that no additional reinforcement material is required inthe region of the heel cap. If desired, it is, however, possible tofurther increase the stability in the region of the heel cap byinserting an insole (see below).

The outsole unit may further be integrally provided as a single pieceand may comprise at least one first profile element in the forefootregion that each comprises an indentation in the direction of the heeland/or comprises at least one second profile element in the heel regionthat each comprises an indentation in the direction of the toes.

The first and second profile elements may, for example, serve thepurpose of improving the traction of the shoe, for example when hikingon grit, scree, or gravel. Herein, the individual first and/or secondprofile elements may, for example, be arranged a distance apart from oneanother chosen large enough that no individual objects like stones orsticks or clay (in order to prevent a “clay clumping”) get stuck betweenthe profile elements and thus lead to slipping of the foot when treadingor pushing off. In addition, the surface of the first and/or secondprofile elements may be chosen small enough that they penetrate into theground far enough or engage with the ground also on harder soil, dampclay, grass and so forth that the desired traction is achieved.

The indentations in the direction of the heel of the first profileelements, which are arranged in the forefoot region, can engage with theground during push-off of the foot in the forward direction and henceprevent or hamper slipping of the foot in the backward direction. Theindentations in the direction of the toes of the second profileelements, which are arranged in the heel region, can engage with theground when treading with the heel and hence prevent or hamper slippingof the foot in the forward direction. To this end, the indentations can,for example, comprise a V-shape, with the tips of the V serving thepurpose of engaging with the ground.

The outsole unit can furthermore be integrally provided as a singlepiece and comprise at least one third profile element, for example inthe medial toe region, wherein the third profile elements are arrangedat a rim of the outsole unit and each comprise a clearly defined edge atthe rim.

The respective edge can, in particular, facilitate treading on smalllandings, ledges or steps in the rocks.

During climbing, when doing via ferratas or during the approach, it isoften necessary to tread on small landings, ledges or protrusions in therocks, for example with the region beneath the big toe, wherein a largepercentage of body weight is supported on this small region of theoutsole when lifting the body up from the leg muscles. In thissituation, slipping can lead to a fall or other very serious injuries.In order to avoid this, third profile elements may be arranged, forexample, in the medial toe region and, in particular, at the rim of thesole beneath the region of the big toe, which comprise a clearly definededge at the rim of the outsole unit and which facilitate treading onsuch small structures and prevent or hamper slipping. The angle at thisclearly defined edge can, for example, be 70° or 80° or 90° or adifferent angle in the range of, for example, 70°-90°. The angle mayalso change along the profile element in order to be adapted to thecharacteristic movement patterns for climbing, for example twisting inthe foot or the hips, in order to facilitate such movements. Inaddition, a rubber material may used for the third profile elements,which comprises a high stability and stiffness and which doesn't yieldunder the above-mentioned high loads during ascent.

It is possible that the shoe further comprises a releasable insole.

The insole may contribute to providing the shoe with the desiredstability and stiffness as well as the desired cushioning properties.Hence, during the manufacture and construction of the shoe upper and theoutsole unit, the primary focus may be on different properties, forexample the traction and abrasion resistance. Also, by use of achangeable insole, for example, the stability and cushioning propertiesof the shoe may be changed during use, for example, during a hike,during mountain running or when doing a via ferrata, without the userhaving to carry a complete second pair of shoes. This may lead to asignificant reduction in weight.

For example, when doing a via ferrata, climbing passages are ofteninterspersed with longer walking passages or approach passages. In theclimbing passages, for example, a harder, lightweight and less cushionedinsole may be inserted, which provides a high degree of stability to theshoe, allows a strong push-off over the forefoot region and in generalallows for a direct feedback from the rock to the foot. On walkingpassages or the descent, on the other side, a softer and morecomfortable insole may be inserted, which protects the musculoskeletalsystem of the user and guards against fatigue or injuries. By use of ashallower insole it is furthermore possible to have the foot sit deeperwithin the shoe. This can provide a significantly higher degree ofstability. This is, for example, possible for a mountain- or trailrunning competition. After the competition, the properties of the shoemay be changed. For example, a thicker insole may be inserted for arecovery period.

The insole can comprise a shell element and a cushioning region, whereinthe shell element comprises a larger deformation stiffness than thecushioning region.

Herein, the shell element can provide the shoe with the desiredstability. The cushioning region, on the other hand, can serve to dampenand cushion the forces, which act on the musculoskeletal system of theuser during impact on the ground. To this end, the shell element can,for example, surround the cushioning region along the rim of the insoleand on the side of the insole facing away from the foot, in order toprovide the desired stability, whereas directly beneath the foot thecushioning region is arranged in order to absorb the impact forces.

As a material for the shell element, for example, materials with ahardness of 55 shore C may be considered, for exampleethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA) with a hardness of 55 shore C. However,different hardnesses (softer or harder) are also possible, for examplehardnesses in the range of 45 shore C (very soft)-70 shore C (very hard)or values from individual subranges within this range, for examplevalues in the range 45-55 shore C, 55-60 shore C or 60-70 shore C, andso forth. Furthermore, polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber or cork, forexample with a hardness in one of the ranges just mentioned, may beconsidered as material for the shell element.

It is possible that the cushioning region comprises at least one of thefollowing materials: (expanded) ethylene-vinyl-acetate, foamedethylene-vinyl-acetate, (expanded) thermoplastic polyurethane, foamedpolyurethane, (expanded) polypropylene, (expanded) polyamide, (expanded)polyetherblockamide, (expanded) polyoxymethylene, (expanded)polystyrene, (expanded) polyethylene, (expanded) polyoxyethylene,(expanded) ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer. The cushioning region can,in particular, comprise randomly arranged particles that comprise atleast one of the previously mentioned expanded materials and that arepotentially connected with one another, for example, by fusing of theparticle surfaces. Cushioning regions or cushioning elements from suchrandomly arranged particles of an expanded material as well as methodsfor their manufacture are, for example, described in documents DE 102012 206 094 A1 and EP 2 649 896 A2.

These materials, in particular the expanded materials, are particularlywell suited to cushion and absorb the impact forces acting duringimpact. In particular, randomly arranged particles from expandedthermoplastic polyurethane or expanded polyetherblockamide, which arefused at their surfaces, have the property that the energy absorbedduring absorption of the impact forces is to a large degree returned tothe foot of the user, which facilitates the endurance of the user.

Furthermore, materials with a hardness of, for example, 40 shore C arewell suited for the cushioning region. However, different hardnesses(softer or harder) are also possible, for example hardnesses in therange from 30 shore C (very soft)-55 shore C (very hard) or values fromindividual subranges within this range, for example values in the rangeof 30-40 shore C, 40-45 shore C or 45-55 shore C, and so forth. Forexample, EVA with a hardness of 40 shore C is well suited as a materialfor the cushioning region.

The shell element may comprise reinforcement wings in the medial andlateral region of the toe joints.

In certain embodiments, the reinforcement wings, which may correspond torespective side wings of the outsole unit, serve the purpose ofstabilizing the foot of the user sufficiently with regard to sidewardmovements. In case such a stabilization is missing, this can potentiallylead to an uncomfortable and unsecured wearing sensation and promoteinjuries. The reinforcement wings can furthermore prevent or minimize amovement of the insole relative to the inside of the shoe. This may bedesirable for the benefit of the stability of the shoe.

The reinforcement wings may be (jointly) provided with differentheights, for example in order to achieve a strong or not so strongreinforcement and/or stabilization. It is also possible that thereinforcement wing on the medial side has a differentheight/thickness/design than the reinforcement wing on the lateral side,in order to limit or to influence/control a sideward movement of thefoot selectively, for example in a direction to the lateral side or tothe medial side. It is, in particular, possible that the medialreinforcement wing is designed with a greater height than the lateralreinforcement wing, leading to a stronger stabilization of the inside ofthe foot and having a supporting effect during running. Thereinforcement wings can further also be partially elastic, in order toprovide the foot of the user with a defined freedom of movement.

The insole may further comprise at least one of the following elements:a heel support, a midfoot support, a recess for an electronic component,a reinforcement foil in the forefoot region and/or the midfoot regionand/or the heel region. In particular, a reinforcement foil withthermoplastic polyurethane may be considered.

Such additional elements may further serve the purpose offine-adjustment of the stability- and elasticity properties of theinsole and the entire shoe. These properties may be individuallyadjusted to the respective requirements, for example high stability anddirect feedback for climbing, and higher cushioning and a behavior,which is good for the joints during walking/hiking.

The reinforcement foil may, in particular, increase the stiffness of theinsole in the forefoot region and/or in the midfoot region and/or in theheel region.

Herein, it is possible that different materials or different materialthicknesses are used for the reinforcement foil in different regions ofthe insole, in order to achieve a certain stiffness of the insole in therespective regions. Such a reinforcement foil can further limit orcontrol a widening or sideward expansion of the material of thecushioning region and/or the shell element under a pressure load on theinsole. Also, the degree of influence may be adjusted to the respectivewishes by a corresponding choice of different materials, materialthicknesses, designs and arrangements of the reinforcement foil on theinsole.

The insole can comprise dimensions that lead to a stretching of the shoeupper upon insertion of the insole into an inside of the shoe upper.

The stretching of the shoe upper can lead to restoring forces in theshoe upper, which lead to a securing of the insole in the shoe withoutadditional securing devices and prevent or hamper a sliding of theinsole. This can, in particular, lead to a force-fit connection betweenthe two elements.

In some embodiments, the rubber material comprises at least one of thefollowing materials: butyl-rubber, butadiene-rubber, natural rubber(caoutchouc), styrene-butadiene-rubber, nitrile-rubber, in particularnitrile rubber comprising at least one of the following materials inparts: ethylene-vinyl-acetate, lignosulfonate, silanes.

Styrene-butadiene-rubber, in particular vulcanizedstyrene-butadiene-rubber, comprises particular good traction propertiesand abrasion resistance and is hence well suited for use in the outdoorfield, in particular for climbing. Nitrile rubber, in particular nitrilerubber comprising ethylene-vinyl-acetate, lignosulfonate and/or silanesin parts, allows, in particular, the rubber material to enter into achemical connection with the textile two-dimensional region andpotentially the textile fabric of the shoe upper during the vulcanizingwithout additional bonding agents or binders being necessary for this.It is pointed out that all these materials are not harmful for thehuman.

A further aspect of the invention is provided by a method for themanufacture of a shoe, in particular a multifunctional outdoor shoe, forexample a mountain shoe, a mountain running shoe (a trail running shoe),a climbing shoe or an approach shoe, comprising a positioning of amounting in a molding arrangement, wherein a shoe upper and a textiletwo-dimensional region connected to the shoe upper, which extendsbeneath a foot of a user of the shoe are arranged on the mounting. Themethod further comprises positioning at least one sole materialcomprising a rubber material in at least one recess in the moldingarrangement and/or on the shoe upper and/or on the two-dimensionalregion, closing the molding arrangement, and connecting the rubbermaterial to the two-dimensional region without the use of a bondingagent.

The method hence allows a simple manufacture of an inventive shoewithout the use of additional bonding agents or binders, wherein adurable and resistant connection between the rubber material and thetwo-dimensional region can still be obtained. It is again pointed outthat the sole material and, in particular, the rubber material cancomprise different material compositions in different regions, whichtranslates to corresponding different properties of the manufacturedshoe at the respective positions after conclusion of the method.

It is further mentioned that the mounting can, for example, be a last,in particular a last made of metal like, for example, aluminum, steel ora mixture thereof, which withstands the temperatures (see below)occurring during the method.

The step of connecting the rubber material to the two-dimensional regioncan comprise a vulcanizing of the rubber material under the influence ofpressure and/or under the provision of heat for the creation of anoutsole unit.

It is a particular benefit of the method described here that the methodallows the manufacture of an integral unit with, for example, anoutsole, a toe cap, medial side parts, lateral side parts and a heelcap. By vulcanizing the rubber material onto the two-dimensional regionand potentially the shoe upper, it can furthermore be ensured thatindividual parts do not get detached from the two-dimensionalregion/shoe upper. This is in particular so as the rubber material canform a matrix material with the two-dimensional region, and potentiallywith the shoe upper, too, as previously mentioned, which can on the onehand comprise a mechanical connection and on the other hand can comprisea chemical connection. In certain embodiments, both a mechanical as wellas a chemical connection exists. This also allows achieving thin (<2 mmor <1.5 mm) or very thin (<1 mm) layer thicknesses of the vulcanizedrubber material, which are nonetheless connected to the two-dimensionalregion or the shoe upper in an abrasion resistant and durable manner,which is very hard or impossible to achieve with a gluing method.

In the method, the vulcanizing may be performed under the followingconditions: a temperature in the closed molding arrangement of 150°C.-200° C., further in a range of 160° C.-190° C., and still further ina range of 165° C.-175° C.; a closing force of the molding arrangementof 100 kg-200 kg, further in the range of 140 kg-160 kg, and stillfurther in the range of 145 kg-155 kg; and a duration of thevulcanization process of 5 min-15 min, further in the range of 6 min-10min, and still further of 8 min.

As closing force of the molding arrangement, for example the force withwhich the individual parts of the molding arrangement are pressed ontoeach other during the vulcanizing may be implied.

These process parameters have turned out desirable in order to achieve avulcanization in a manner that the vulcanized rubber material comprisesthe desired properties, wherein at the same time the shoe upper and thetwo-dimensional region are not damaged or impaired. Care has, inparticular, to be taken that the pressure in the molding arrangement ischosen large enough in order that the rubber material completely fillsthe molding arrangement during vulcanizing and does not leave themolding arrangement, but at the same time not so high that the moldingarrangement damages the shoe upper or the textile two-dimensional regionarranged on the mounting. To this end, the boundaries of the moldingarrangement should also not comprise any sharp-edged regions.

In some embodiments, manufacturing parameters in different ranges orintervals are also possible, for example temperatures in the closedmolding arrangement in the range 150° C.-160° C., 160° C.-170° C., 170°C.-180° C., 180° C.-190° C., 190° C.-200° C. or even higher or lowertemperatures, closing forces in the range 100 kg-110 kg, 110 kg-120 kg,120 kg-130 kg, . . . , 190 kg-200 kg or even higher or lower closingforces, as well as a duration of the vulcanization process in the rangeof, for example, 5 min-8 min, 8 min-12 min, 12 min-15 min or even longeror shorter process durations.

In some embodiments, the molding arrangement comprises a plurality ofmovable mold parts, which, together with potentially existing unmovableparts of the molding arrangement, form an essentially closed moldingspace after closing of the molding arrangement, in which the mountingalong with the shoe upper and the textile two-dimensional regionconnected therewith are arranged.

This allows a particularly simple positioning of the mounting in themold and can facilitate an automatization of the method.

It is also possible that, prior to the closing of the moldingarrangement, in or on at least some of the movable parts atwo-dimensional piece of the sole material is positioned within acorresponding recess of the movable mold part.

As far as unmoving mold parts do exist, it is also possible that in oron at least some of the unmovable mold parts a respectivetwo-dimensional piece of the sole material is positioned within acorresponding recess of the unmovable mold part.

Finally, it is also possible that such a two-dimensional piece of thesole material is positioned directly on the textile two-dimensionalregion and/or the shoe upper. This allows, in a simple manner, toposition sole materials with different compositions in different regionsof the shoe or the sole and hence to selectively influence theproperties of the manufactured shoe and, in particular, the outsole unitselectively in individual partial regions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is describedhere with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but thisdescription is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of theclaims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, mayinclude different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction withother existing or future technologies. This description should not beinterpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among orbetween various steps or elements except when the order of individualsteps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

Certain embodiments of the invention are described in the followingdetailed description with reference to multifunctional outdoor shoeslike mountain shoes, mountain running shoes, climbing shoes or approachshoes. It is emphasized, however, that the present invention is notlimited to these embodiments. Rather, the present invention can also bebeneficially applied to street shoes, running shoes, shoes for fishing,working shoes, and so forth.

It is further pointed out that in the following only individualembodiments of the invention will be more closely described. The skilledperson we realize, however, that the elements and design optionsdescribed in the context of these specific embodiments may also bemodified or combined with one another in a different manner within thescope of the invention and that individual elements may also be omittedif they seem dispensable for a specific shoe. In order to avoidredundancies, reference is, in particular, made to the explanations inthe “Summary of the invention”, which also remain applicable for thefollowing description.

FIGS. 1 a-j show embodiments of an inventive shoe 100. FIG. 1 a shows alateral side view and FIG. 1 b a medial side view of the shoe 100. FIG.1 c shows a top view of the shoe 100, without inserted insole. FIG. 1 dshows the bottom side of the shoe 100 and FIG. 1 e an enlarged view ofthe medial toe region of the bottom side of the shoe 100. FIG. 1 f showsthe heel region and FIG. 1 g the toe region of the shoe 100. FIG. 1 hshows a cross-section through the shoe 100 and FIG. 1 i an enlarged viewof the heel region of FIG. 1 h. Finally, FIG. 1 j shows the shoe 100 ina top view with inserted insole 200 (see FIGS. 2 a-d).

The shoe 100 may, for example, be used as a multifunctional outdoorshoe, in particular a mountain shoe, a mountain running shoe, a trailrunning shoe, a climbing shoe or an approach shoe. The shoe 100comprises an shoe upper 110.

As already explained, the shoe upper 110 may be provided such that thedesired wearing comfort is achieved. The shoe upper 110 may, inparticular, be breathable but at the same time impermeable to water anddirt and it may nestle against the foot of the user without the creationof uncomfortable pressure points. To this end, the shoe upper 110 may,for example, comprise a textile fabric from natural and/or syntheticmaterials, for example polyester, PET-polyester or polyamide. In certainembodiments, the material of the shoe upper 110 is heat- and colorstable in a manner such that, during a manufacturing process (as, forexample, more closely described below), it does not get discolored orloses its structure.

Connected to the shoe upper 110 is a textile two-dimensional region 120,which extends beneath the foot of the user of the shoe 100. The shoe 100further comprises an outsole unit 130 with a rubber material, whereinthe two-dimensional region 120 is connected to the rubber material ofthe outsole unit 130 without a bonding agent.

As the outsole unit 130 is connected to the textile two-dimensionalregion 120, which extends beneath the foot, instead of only at the rimof the sole, a resistant and durable connection between the outsole unit130 and the shoe upper 110 connected to the textile two-dimensionalregion 120 results. Based on the configuration of the textile design ofthe two-dimensional region 120, the rubber material of the outsole unit130 forms a matrix material with the two-dimensional region 120 duringthe manufacture, wherein a mechanical connection and/or a chemicalconnection can exist. In certain embodiments, both a mechanical as wellas a chemical connection exists, such that a particularly durable andresistant connection may be achieved.

In the shoe 100 shown here, the two-dimensional region 120 is connectedto the outsole unit 130 by vulcanizing of the rubber material.

In certain embodiments, the outsole unit 130 comprises different rubbermaterials in different partial regions. For example, a particularlyabrasion resistant rubber material at the rim of the sole may becombined with a rubber material providing particular good fraction inregions in which the sole primarily contacts the ground, in order toavoid fast wear on the rims of the sole, while at the same time avoidingslipping or sliding of the user. In further embodiments, a particularlyabrasion resistant rubber material in the forefoot region may becombined with a rubber material providing particular good traction inthe heel region, in order to minimize the wear during push-off over theforefoot and during climbing and prevent slipping when treading with theheel, and so forth. Rubber materials, which are suited for this, will bediscussed in more detail further below.

As can, for example, be gathered from FIGS. 1 c and 1 h, in the shoe100, the two-dimensional region 120 occupies almost the entire area, inany case more than 80% of the entire area, beneath the foot of the user,wherein in the present case the two-dimensional region 120 is providedas a Strobel sole.

It is, however, pointed out that within the scope of the invention thetwo-dimensional region 120 could also be a board lasted region, or thetwo-dimensional region 120 could comprises a moccasin constructiontogether with the shoe upper 110, or it may be glued to the shoe upper,and so forth.

In the present case, the entire two-dimensional region 120 is connectedto the rubber material of the outsole unit 130. This leads to aparticularly close and durable connection of the outsole unit 130 withthe two-dimensional region 120, and hence to the desired stability anddurability of the shoe 100.

In case of the shoe 100, also the shoe upper 110 is connected to therubber material of the outsole unit 130 without a bonding agent, whereinin the present case the shoe upper 110 is connected to the outsole unit130 by vulcanizing of the rubber material. Also here, a matrix materialhas formed from the vulcanized rubber material of the outsole unit 130and the material of the shoe upper 110, which in the present case alsocomprises a textile material, wherein on the one hand a mechanicalconnection can exist and on the other hand a chemical connection. Incertain embodiments, both a mechanical as well as a chemical connectionexists. Reference is further made to the possibility that, for example,the outsole unit 130 and the two-dimensional region 120 are connectedboth mechanically and chemically, whereas the outsole unit 130 and theshoe upper 110 are only connected mechanically, and so forth.

This allows thin and very thin layers (for example <2 mm, <1.5 mm or <1mm) as well as thicker layers (>2 mm, >3 mm or >5 mm) of the rubbermaterial of the outsole unit 130 to be connected with the shoe upper 110in a durable and abrasion resistant manner. Hence, the shoe upper 110may, for example, be protected from the ingress of dirt and water by therubber material of the outsole unit 130 without a significant weightincrease, for example in the region of the toes or at the rim of thefoot. It is, however, also possible to connect thicker layers of therubber material of the outsole unit 130 to the shoe upper 110, like forexample in the region of the toe cap 140 or the heel cap 148, see below.

As shown in FIGS. 1 c and 1 h and, in particular, the enlarged view inFIG. 1 i, the rubber material has permeated the two-dimensional region120 at a plurality of positions 125, leading to a mechanical connectionof the two-dimensional region 120 with the rubber material of theoutsole unit 130. The same is true for the shoe upper 110, even if thiscannot be gathered from the figures so clearly.

In order to achieve the chemical connection of the rubber material withthe shoe upper 110 or the two-dimensional region 120, the rubbermaterial can comprise at least one of the following materials:butyl-rubber, butadiene-rubber, natural rubber (caoutchouc),styrene-butadiene-rubber (SBR), nitrile-rubber (NBR), in particularnitrile rubber comprising at least one of the following materials inparts: ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA), lignosulfonate, silanes. Inparticular, NBR-based rubber materials, which comprise EVA,lignosulfonate and/or silanes in parts are well suited to enter into thedesired chemical connection with the textile material of thetwo-dimensional region 120 and the shoe upper 110 during thevulcanizing. SBR-parts in rubber materials on the other hand mainlyserve to increase the fraction and the abrasion resistance of thevulcanized rubber material.

In the present case, the entire outsole unit 130 is integrally providedas a single piece. First, the outsole unit 130 comprises a base surfaceor tread surface 135.

In addition, the outsole unit 130 comprises the following furtherelements: a toe cap 140, a lateral side wing 142, a medial side wing145, and a heel cap 148. It is pointed out that in this context it is,in particular, possible to use different kinds of rubber for thedifferent elements of the outsole unit 130 mentioned above, which may bespecifically adjusted to the functionality of the respective elements.Furthermore, by the use of a rubber material for the outsole unit 130,the toe cap 140 and the heel cap 148 can adapt to the specificanatomical conditions of the foot of each user, such that no blisters orpressure points are created.

In case of the shoe 100, the heel cap 148 is, in particular, integrallyprovided as a single piece together with the outsole unit 130 in such amanner that the heel of the user of the shoe 100 leads to a stretchingof the material of the heel cap 148 when the shoe 100 is donned, and byway of the restoring forces in the flexible rubber material of the heelcap 148 created in this manner the heel cap 148 nestles against the heelof the user and encloses it, such that the heel is well secured andstabilized.

For example, by use of a tailored last, for example a last 310 (seebelow), the heel cap 148 may be pre-shaped during the manufacture of theshoe 100 such that the stretching of the material of the heel cap 148described above and hence the nestling effect of the heel cap 148 isachieved. To this end, the last may be narrower in the heel region thana conventional “standard last” for a shoe of the respective size. Theuse of such a narrower last during the manufacturing process also hasthe effect that the heel cap 148 already comprises a base stability evenwithout inserted insole 200 (see below) or an additional heel part. Theinserted insole 200 then further increases the stiffness of the heelregion. As already mentioned, it is a significant benefit of theslightly inward curved, pre-shaped heel cap 148 that it “nestlesagainst” the heel when inserting the foot into the shoe 100 since therubber material may be very elastic.

Corresponding explanations may also apply to the toe cap 140.

It is also a benefit of the shoe 100 that by the use of an insole 200(see below) the stability and stiffness of the shoe 100 may be furtherincreased or influenced. This fact, and the above described basestability of the heel cap 148 and/or the toe cap 140, make it possibleto do without additional reinforcement elements in the heel cap 148and/or the toe cap 140, such that this adaption- or nestling effect isnot impaired.

Furthermore, the outsole unit 130 comprises multiple first profileelements 150 in the forefoot region, which each comprise an indentation155 disposed on a surface facing the heel of the shoe, and multiplesecond profile elements 160 in the heel region, which each comprise anindentation 165 disposed on a surface facing the toe of the shoe. Inparticular, at the rim of the sole, the profile elements 150 and 160form a kind of saw-tooth structure with teeth pointing in the backwarddirection and tilted surfaces pointing in the forward direction, asshown in FIG. 1 d. The design and arrangement of the profile elements150 and 160 has the effect that during push-off over the forefoot regionor when treading with the heel, they are anchored or engage with theground and thus prevent slipping of the foot.

If, for example, the user of the shoe 100 moves along rocks, the abovementioned saw-tooth structure does not impair movements of the user formovements in the forward direction, because in this direction the tiltedsurfaces of the saw-tooth structure are arranged. Should the user of theshoe 100, however, move backwards or slip or fall, then the teeth of thesaw-tooth structure pointing in the backward direction assume a“breaking function”.

Furthermore, the outsole unit 130 comprises multiple third profileelements 170 in the medial toe region. The third profile elements 170are arranged at the rim, more precisely at the medial forefoot rim, ofthe outsole unit 130, and at this rim they each comprise a clearlydefined edge 175. These edges 175 can, for example, facilitate treadingon small landings, ledges or steps in the rocks. As seen in FIG. 1 e,some of the third profile elements 170 comprise regions 178 slightlyflattened in the direction towards the tip of the foot in the region ofthe edge 175. They can facilitate twisting movements of the foot, forexample on a small rock ledge or a small step in the rock, and preventthe third profile elements 170 getting caught up during such movements,in order to minimize the risk of falling.

Optionally, the shoe 100 further comprises a releasable insole 200. Asalready mentioned, FIG. 1 j shows the shoe 100 with inserted insole 200.In case of the shoe 100, the insole 200, in particular, serves thepurpose to provide the shoe 100 with the desired cushioning andstability properties, which can hence be influenced and adjustedindependently from the design of the outsole unit 130, leading to alarge degree of freedom for adjusting a shoe 100 to the wishes andrequirements of the user.

FIGS. 2 a-d show such an insole 200, as it may, for example, be used incombination with the embodiments of an inventive shoe 100 shown in FIGS.1 a-j. It is explicitly mentioned, however, that the insole 200 may alsobe used in combination with different embodiments of inventive shoes andeven more generally with different shoes altogether. FIG. 2 a shows thetop side of the insole 200 facing towards the foot. FIG. 2 b shows themedial and FIG. 2 c the lateral side of the insole 200. FIG. 2 d showsthe bottom side of the insole 200 facing away from the foot.

The insole 200 comprises a shell element 210 and a cushioning region220, wherein the shell element 210 comprises a larger deformationstiffness than the cushioning region 220. In principle, the cushioningregion 220 can, for example, comprise at least one of the followingmaterials: (expanded) ethylene-vinyl-acetate, foamedethylene-vinyl-acetate, (expanded) thermoplastic polyurethane, foamedpolyurethane, (expanded) polypropylene, (expanded) polyamide, (expanded)polyetherblockamide, (expanded) polyoxymethylene, (expanded)polystyrene, (expanded) polyethylene, (expanded) polyoxyethylene,(expanded) ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer. The cushioning region 220can, in particular, comprise randomly arranged particles, which maycomprise at least one of the previously mentioned expanded materials.The particles may be connected to each other, for example by fusing oftheir surfaces.

In certain embodiments, the cushioning region 220 comprises randomlyarranged particles of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, which arefused at their surfaces. In further embodiments, the shell element 210comprises EVA with a hardness of 55 shore C.

In still further embodiments (not shown), the insole comprises a shellelement comprising EVA with a hardness of 55 shore C, but the cushioningregion comprises EVA with a hardness of 40 shore C.

In some embodiments, different hardnesses (softer or harder) arepossible, respectively. For example, for the shell element hardnesses inthe range from 45 shore C (very soft)-70 shore C (very hard) arepossible or values from individual subranges within this range, forexample values in the range 45-55 shore C, 55-60 shore C or 60-70 shoreC, and so forth.

In some embodiments, for the cushioning region, hardnesses in the rangeof 30 shore C (very soft)-55 shore C (very hard) are possible. Inaddition, values from individual subranges within this range, forexample, values in the range of 30-40 shore C, 40-45 shore C or 45-55shore C, and so forth are possible.

The skilled person realizes that by a variation of the materials theinsole may be influenced and adjusted as desired with respect toproperties like cushioning and protection of the joints, energyloss/-return, stiffness, transfer of forces, feedback from the ground tothe foot, and so forth.

In certain embodiments, the shell element 210 further comprises areinforcement wing 242 in the lateral region of the toe joints and areinforcement wing 245 in the medial region of the toe joints. Thesemay, for example, correspond to the corresponding side wings 142 and 145of the outsole unit 130 of the shoe 100 and provide the foot of the userwith the required stability with respect to forces acting in a sidewarddirection (i.e. forces primarily acting on the foot in themedial-lateral direction). Depending on the size and shape of thereinforcement wings 242, 245 and/or of the side wings 142, 145, thestability behavior of the shoe 100 or the insole 200 with respect to theimpact of sideward forces may be influenced or controlled. Inparticular, the reinforcement wings 242, 245 may be provided withdifferent heights, wherein they may both comprise the same height, inorder to achieve, for example, a strong or not so strong reinforcementand/or stabilization. Furthermore, the reinforcement wing 245 on themedial side may have a different height/thickness/design than thereinforcement wing 242 on the lateral side, in order to selectivelylimit or influence/control sideward movements of the foot, for examplein a direction to the lateral side or to the medial side. In addition,the reinforcement wings 242, 245 may also be partially elastic, in orderto provide the foot of the user with a defined freedom of movement.

The insole 200 further comprises a reinforcement foil 250 on its bottomside in the forefoot region. First, it is explicitly pointed out that itis also possible to use other planar materials like, for example,carbon, carbon-fibers or different textiles and fabrics alternatively orin addition to the reinforcement foil 250. The reinforcement foil 250may, for example, serve as a push-through protection, in order to avoidirritations of the foot and, in particular, the toes when treadingcaused by the profile elements 150 and/or 170 or stones/pointed objectslying beneath. In order to simultaneously not impair the freedom ofmovement in the forefoot region to an undesirable degree, thereinforcement foil 250 comprises a number of individual fingers orsections 255, which are separated from one another by recesses 257 inthe reinforcement foil 250. These recesses 257 hence act as flex zonesin order to further influence and adjust the freedom of movement of thefoot in the region of the reinforcement foil 250. Instead of theelongated design of the flex zones 257 shown here, they may also beround, oval or rectangular or may comprise a different arbitrary shape.

The insole further comprises a reinforcement foil 260 in the heelregion, which extends into the midfoot region. Also here, it is possibleto use different planar materials like, for example, carbon,carbon-fibers or different textiles and fabrics alternatively or inaddition to the reinforcement foil 260, and the reinforcement foil 260may comprise flex zones as described above, too. For clarification, thedimensions of this reinforcement foil 260 are indicated by the dashedline 265 in FIG. 2 d. The reinforcement foil 260, in particular, extendsaround the lower rim of the heel region and the midfoot region of theinsole 200. The reinforcement foils 250 and 260 may, for example, be afoil made from thermoplastic polyurethane with thickness of, forexample, approximately 1 mm. It is, however, in particular also possiblethat the thickness or material composition of the reinforcement foil250, 260 changes locally, in order to further increase the possibilitiesof taking influence on the flexibility- and elasticity properties of theinsole 200.

Furthermore, both the reinforcement foil 250 as well as thereinforcement foil 260 may contribute to increasing the stiffness of theinsole 200.

In some embodiments, materials for the reinforcement foils 250, 260comprise thermoplastic polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene,polyamide and in principle all thermoplastic materials, which may beextruded as a foil.

It is further also possible that the insole 200 comprises furtherfunctional elements like a heel support, a (separate) midfoot support ora recess for an electronic component (all of which are not shown here).

The insole 200 comprises dimensions, which lead to a stretching of theshoe upper 110 when the insole 200 is inserted into the interior of theshoe upper 110 of the shoe 100, such that the insole 200 is securedwithin the shoe upper 110 without additional securing devices orsecuring measures from the created restoring forces.

It is, however, pointed out that other possibilities and solutions forsecuring the insole 200 in the shoe upper 110 may also be considered,for example a connection of a hook and loop fastener or where the insole200 is hooked into the shoe upper at certain places, and so forth.

FIGS. 3 a-b show a molding arrangement 300, which may be used forperforming embodiments of an inventive method for the manufacture of aninventive shoe, for example the shoe 100 with outsole unit 130.

Such a method comprises a positioning of a mounting 310 in the moldingarrangement 300, wherein a shoe upper of a shoe, for example shoe upper110, and a textile two-dimensional region connected to the shoe upper,for example two-dimensional region 120, which extends beneath the footof the user of the shoe, are arranged on the mounting 310.

The mounting 310 may, for example, be a heat resistant last 310 madefrom metal, for example from aluminum and/or steel, which withstands thetemperatures occurring during manufacture. On this last 310, the shoeupper with the textile two-dimensional region may be pulled on.

Subsequently, at least one sole material, which comprises a rubbermaterial, is positioned in at least one recess in the moldingarrangement 300 and/or on the shoe upper and/or on the two-dimensionalregion, the molding arrangement 300 is closed, and the rubber materialis connected to the two-dimensional region without the use of a bondingagent.

This connecting may, in particular, proceed by vulcanizing of the rubbermaterial under the influence of pressure and/or under the provision orheat for the creation of an outsole unit, or example the outsole unit130 of the shoe 100.

During the connecting, in particular during the vulcanizing, the profileelements 150, 160 and 170, as well as different contours of the outsoleunit 130, may form due to the sole material filling corresponding moldcontours within the molding arrangement 300.

The following conditions/parameters may be beneficial for thevulcanization process:

A temperature in the closed molding arrangement 300 of 150° C.-200° C.,further in a range of 160° C.-190° C., and still further in a range of165° C.-175° C.;

A closing force of the molding arrangement 300 of 100 kg-200 kg, furtherin a range of 140 kg-160 kg, and still further in a range of 145 kg-155kg; and

A duration of the vulcanization process of 5 min-15 min, further in arange of 6 min-10 min, and still further in a range of 8 min.

In some embodiments, manufacturing parameters in different ranges orintervals are possible, for example temperatures in the closed moldingarrangement 300 in the region of 150° C.-160° C., 160° C.-170° C., 170°C.-180° C., 180° C.-190° C., 190° C.-200° C., or even higher or lowertemperatures, closing forces in the range 100 kg-110 kg, 110 kg-120 kg,120 kg-130 kg, . . . , 190 kg-200 kg or even higher or lower closingforces as well as a duration of the vulcanization process in the rangeof, for example, 5 min-8 min, 8 min-12 min, 12 min-15 min or even longeror shorter process durations.

In certain embodiments, the molding arrangement 300 shown in FIGS. 3 a-bcomprises a plurality of movable mold parts 330, 340, 350 and 360, aswell as a fixed baseplate 320. The movable mold parts are a top plate330, a heel slider 340, a medial slider 350 and lateral slider 360.After closing of the molding arrangement 300, the baseplate 320 and themovable mold parts 330, 340, 350, 360 form an essentially closed moldingspace, in which the mounting 310 with the shoe upper and the textiletwo-dimensional region connected therewith are arranged. A molding spaceis to be understood as essentially closed if the molding space does notallow an escape of the rubber material during theconnecting/vulcanization apart from potential manufacturingseams/protrusions, which cannot be avoided.

As shown in FIG. 3 b, prior to the closing of the molding arrangement300, a two-dimensional piece of the sole material 325, 335, 345, 355,365 may be positioned in the movable mold parts 330, 340, 350, 360 (orsome of them), but also on the baseplate 320, in a respective recess ofthe mold part 330, 340, 350, 360 or the baseplate 320. It is alsopossible to place such a two-dimensional piece of material directly onthe two-dimensional region and/or the shoe upper arranged on themounting 310.

For example, for the manufacture of the shoe 100, a two-dimensionalpiece 335 of a rubber material is positioned either on thetwo-dimensional region mounted on the last 310 or in a recess in the topplate 330, which in its shape approximately corresponds to the foot ofthe later user and (among other things) will form the bottom side of theoutsole unit 130. Potentially, further pieces, strips or cubes of therubber material are placed onto this two-dimensional piece 335, if thisis necessary to provide enough base material in the respective regionsfor the manufacture of the tread surface/profile elements/heel cap/toecap, and so forth. In a recess of the baseplate 320, a two-dimensionalpiece 325 of a rubber material is inserted, which will form (among otherthings) the toe cap 140 after the manufacture. In a recess of the heelslider 340, a two-dimensional piece 345 of a rubber material isinserted, which will form (among other things) the heel cap 148 afterthe manufacture. In respective recesses of the medial and lateral slider350, 360, a two-dimensional piece 355, 365 of a rubber material isinserted each, which will form (among other things) the sidewalls of theoutsole unit 130 after the manufacture.

It is to be noted that the two-dimensional pieces 325, 335, 345, 355 and365 may well comprise different rubber mixtures/materials, in order tolocally adjust the properties of the outsole unit 130 being manufacturedto the wishes and requirements in this way.

For example, a particularly abrasion resistant rubber material at therim of the sole may be combined with a rubber material providingparticular good traction in regions in which the sole primarily contactsthe ground, in order to avoid a fast wear of the rims of the sole and toimprove the traction at the rim of the sole and at the same time preventslipping or sliding of the user. In further embodiments, a particularlyabrasion resistant rubber material in the forefoot region may becombined with a rubber material providing particular good traction inthe heel region, in order to minimize the abrasion during push-off overthe forefoot and during climbing and to prevent slipping when treadingwith the heel. Additionally, in partial regions of the outsole unit apartially or completely vulcanized rubber may be used in a mix withunvulcanized rubber. These are merely some possible examples of how tocombine different rubber materials, and further possibilities arepossible for the skilled person.

It is also pointed out that it is in principle possible that not onlycaoutchouc-based materials are used as rubber materials. A differentmaterial may also be used, which after conclusion of the manufacturingprocess comprises properties that are similar or equal to those ofvulcanized rubber, in particular similar properties with regard to theabrasion resistance, elasticity and traction on different grounds. Therubber materials/mixtures may hence also be thermo-formable plastics orsomething similar.

Finally, it is mentioned that such a manufacturing method may produceshoes that are difficult or impossible to manufacture with aconventional gluing method. If, for example, an outsole unit is designedas a single integral piece together with a toe cap and a heel cap andshall be glued to a shoe upper, the shoe upper would initially have tobe “crumpled together” in order to be inserted into the undercuts of thetoe/heel cap and subsequently be “folded out” again there. The glue usedfor a gluing of rubber, however, is highly adhesive such that the shoeupper would probably come into contact with the glue and stick to theoutsole unit in places where this is not intended.

Finally, FIGS. 4 a-d show results of measurements, which were undertakenin order to investigate the fraction of different vulcanized rubbermaterials under conditions, which are typically encountered in differentoutdoor situations and activities.

To this end, a respective material sample was fixed to a stampingelement and pushed onto different substrates (rough or smooth, wet ordry) with a certain contact force. The contact area was approximately 4cm² in each case. The substrate was then pulled out from beneath thematerial sample and the acting horizontal friction forces were recordedby the device. It was possible to measure the static friction but alsothe dynamic kinetic friction during the sliding phase of the substrate.For determining the kinetic friction, the first and the last 20 mm ofthe sliding track where excluded from the determination in each case.The friction forces continually recorded during the sliding phase werethen averaged over the relevant sliding phase in order to obtain anaveraged value for the kinetic friction.

For the determination of the static friction and the kinetic friction,the average was taken over all test runs performed for given scenario,in order to obtain a final averaged value. These final averaged valuesare shown in FIGS. 4 a-d (together with the standard deviationsresulting from the measurements). In each case, the coefficient ofstatic or kinetic friction is plotted on the Y-axis, i.e. the ratio ofnormal force (contact force) and the friction force, wherein the valueswere normalized to measurements on a standardized surface.

The following Table 1 summarizes the measurement conditions/scenariosunderlying the results shown in FIGS. 4 a-d.

TABLE 1 Scenario scenario 1 scenario 2 scenario 3 Contact force 60 N 50N 420 N Contact pressure 15 N/cm² 12.5 N/cm² 105 N/cm² Substrate R13Stone R10 Stone R13 Stone Sliding velocity of the 50 mm/s 50 mm/s 10mm/s substrate Length of the sliding track 200 mm 200 mm 100 mm

R13 or R10 designate the norm numbers according to DIN 51130, whichdescribe the slip resistance of the respective substrate.

In each case, four vulcanized rubber materials were measured, which aredesignated as “materials M1, M2, M3 and M4” in FIGS. 4 a-d. Thefollowing Table 2 lists the properties of these materials:

TABLE 2 Material Hardness as tested Elasticity M1 61 shore A 27% M2 73shore A 21% M3 81 shore A 14% M4 78 shore A 51%

The results presented in FIGS. 4 a-d corresponds to the rubber materialsM1, M2, M3 and M4 from left to right in all four figures.

FIG. 4 a shows the coefficients of kinetic friction for scenario 1. Themeasurement values 400 a, 420 a, 440 a and 460 a were determined on drysubstrate, the measurement values 405 a, 425 a, 445 a and 465 a on wetsubstrate.

FIG. 4 b shows the coefficients of kinetic friction 400 b, 420 b, 440 band 460 b for scenario 2, which were determined on wet substrate.

FIG. 4 c shows the coefficients of kinetic friction 400 c, 420 c, 440 cand 460 c for scenario 3 determined on dry substrate, and FIG. 4 d thecoefficients of static friction 400 d, 420 d, 440 d and 460 d forscenario 3, also determined on dry substrate.

From the measurement results, the following conclusions may be drawnwith regard to the rubber materials tested by applicant: in scenario 1,the material M1 shows a 20% higher kinetic friction on dry substratethan materials M2 and M3. On wet substrate, the differences weresmaller. In scenario 3 on dry substrate, material M3 performed best witha 38% higher coefficient of static friction than material M1. Inscenario 2 on wet substrate, the material M3 had a 19% highercoefficient of kinetic friction than material M1.

Finally, further investigations showed that the rubber materials M1-M4discussed here on average comprise a 52% improved traction compared toconventional abrasion resistant rubber materials.

To summarize, the investigated rubber materials comprise very goodtraction values and can hence desirably be employed for use in anoutsole unit of an inventive shoe, for example in the outsole unit 130of the shoe 100. The investigations have also shown in an exemplarymanner how different rubber materials perform under different conditionsand the skilled person will therefore understand how the properties ofan inventive shoe may be adapted to the respective requirements and tothe conditions typically occurring in the context of a certain activitythrough a suitable choice of the rubber material or different rubbermaterials for different regions of the outsole unit.

In the following, further examples are described to facilitate theunderstanding of the invention:

-   -   1. A shoe (100), in particular mountain shoe, mountain running        shoe, trail running shoe or climbing shoe, comprising:        -   (a) shoe upper (110);        -   (b) a textile two-dimensional region (120) connected to the            shoe upper (110), which extends beneath a foot of a user of            the shoe (100); and        -   (c) an outsole unit (130) with a rubber material, wherein        -   (d) the two-dimensional region (120) is connected to the            rubber material of the outsole unit (130) without a bonding            agent.    -   2. A shoe (100) according to the preceding example, wherein the        two-dimensional region (120) is connected to the outsole unit        (130) by vulcanizing of the rubber material.    -   3. A shoe (100) according to any one of the preceding examples,        wherein the two-dimensional region (120) occupies more than 30%,        preferably more than 50% and particularly preferably more than        80% of the total area beneath the foot of the user.    -   4. A shoe (100) according to any one of the preceding examples,        wherein the two-dimensional region (120) is provided as a        Strobel sole.    -   5. A shoe (100) according to any one of the preceding examples,        wherein the entire two-dimensional region (120) is connected to        the rubber material of the outsole unit (130).    -   6. A shoe (100) according to any one of the preceding examples,        wherein also the shoe upper (110) is connected to the rubber        material of the outsole unit (130) without a bonding agent.    -   7. A shoe (100) according to the preceding example, wherein the        shoe upper (110) is connected to the outsole unit (130) by        vulcanizing of the rubber material.    -   8. A shoe (100) according to any one of the preceding examples,        wherein the rubber material has at least partially permeated the        two-dimensional region (120) and/or the shoe upper (110) and        thus lead to a mechanical connection.    -   9. A shoe (100) according to any one of the preceding examples,        wherein the two-dimensional region (120) and/or the shoe upper        (110) is chemically connected to the outsole unit (130).    -   10. A shoe (100) according to any one of the preceding examples,        wherein the outsole unit (130) is integrally provided as a        single piece and in addition to a tread surface (135) comprises        at least one of the following elements: a toe cap (140), a        lateral side wing (142), a medial side wing (145), a heel cap        (148).    -   11. A shoe (100) according to the preceding example, wherein the        heel cap (148) is integrally provided as a single piece together        with the outsole unit (130) in such a manner that the heel of a        user leads to a stretching of the material of the heel cap        (148), such that the heel cap (148) nestles against the heel of        the user.    -   12. A shoe (100) according to any one of the preceding examples,        wherein the outsole unit (130) is integrally provided as a        single piece and comprises at least one first profile element        (150) in the forefoot region that each comprise an indentation        (155) in the direction of the heel and/or comprises at least one        second profile element (160) in the heel region that each        comprise an indentation (165) in the direction of the toes.    -   13. A shoe (100) according to any one of the preceding examples,        wherein the outsole unit (130) is integrally provided as a        single piece and comprises at least one third profile element        (170),wherein the third profile elements (170) are arranged at a        rim of the outsole unit (130) and each comprise a clearly        defined edge at the rim.    -   14. A shoe (100) according to any one of the preceding examples,        wherein the shoe (100) further comprises a releasable insole        (200).    -   15. A shoe (100) according to the preceding example, wherein the        insole (200) comprises a shell element (210) and a cushioning        region (220) and wherein the shell element (210) comprises a        larger deformation stiffness than the cushioning region (220).    -   16. A shoe (100) according to the preceding example, wherein the        shell element (210) comprises reinforcement wings (245; 242) in        the medial and lateral region of the toe joints.    -   17. A shoe (100) according to any one of the preceding examples        14-16, wherein the insole (200) comprises at least one of the        following elements: a heel support, a midfoot support (260), a        recess for an electronic component, a reinforcement foil in the        forefoot region (250) and/or in the midfoot region (260) and/or        in the heel region (260), preferably a reinforcement foil (250;        260) comprising thermoplastic polyurethane.    -   18. A shoe (100) according to the preceding example, wherein the        reinforcement foil in the forefoot region (250) and/or in the        midfoot region (260) and/or in the heel region (260) increases        the stiffness of the insole (200).    -   19. A shoe (100) according to any one of the preceding examples,        wherein the rubber material comprises at least one of the        following materials: butyl-rubber, butadiene-rubber, natural        rubber, styrene-butadiene-rubber, nitrile-rubber, in particular        nitrile-rubber comprising at least one of the following        materials in parts: ethylene-vinyl-acetate, lignosulfonate,        silanes.    -   20. A method for the manufacture of a shoe (100), in particular        mountain shoe, mountain running shoe, trail running shoe or        climbing shoe, comprising the following steps:        -   (a) positioning of a mounting (310) in a molding arrangement            (300), wherein a shoe upper (110) and a textile            two-dimensional region (120) connected to the shoe upper            (110), which extends beneath the foot of the user of the            shoe (100) are arranged on the mounting (310);        -   (b) positioning of at least one sole material (325; 335;            345; 355; 365) comprising a rubber material in at least one            recess in the molding arrangement (300) and/or on the shoe            upper (110) and/or on the two-dimensional region (120);        -   (c) closing of the molding arrangement (300); and        -   (d) connecting of the rubber material to the two-dimensional            region (120) without the use of a bonding agent.    -   21. The method according to the preceding example, wherein        step (d) comprises vulcanizing the rubber material under        pressure and/or under the provision of heat for the creation of        an outsole unit (130).    -   22. The method according to the preceding example, wherein the        vulcanizing in step (d) is performed under the following        conditions:        -   a temperature in the closed molding arrangement (300) of            150° C.-200° C., preferably of 160° C.-190° C., and            particularly preferably of 165° C.-175° C.;        -   a closing force of the molding arrangement (300) of 100            kg-200 kg, preferably of 140 kg-160 kg, and particularly            preferably of 145 kg-155 kg;        -   a duration of the vulcanization process of 5 min-15 min,            preferably of 6 min-10 min, and particularly preferably of 8            min.    -   23. The method according to any one of the preceding examples        20-22, wherein the molding arrangement (300) comprises a        plurality of movable mold parts (330; 340; 350; 360), which,        together with potentially existing unmovable parts (320) of the        molding arrangement (300), form an essentially closed molding        space after closing of the molding arrangement (300), in which        the mounting (310) along with the shoe upper (110) and the        textile two-dimensional region (120) connected therewith are        arranged.    -   24. The method according to the preceding example, wherein,        prior to the closing of the molding arrangement (300), in at        least some of the movable mold parts (330; 340; 350; 360) a        two-dimensional piece (335; 345; 355; 365) of the sole material        is positioned within a corresponding recess of the mold part        (330; 340; 350; 360).

Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings ordescribed above, as well as components and steps not shown or describedare possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are usefuland may be employed without reference to other features andsub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described forillustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodimentswill become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the presentinvention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depictedin the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope of the claims below.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A shoe comprising: (a) a shoe upper; (b) atextile two-dimensional region connected to the shoe upper, whichextends beneath a foot of a user of the shoe when worn; and (c) anoutsole unit comprising a rubber material, wherein the textiletwo-dimensional region is connected to the rubber material of theoutsole unit without a bonding agent.
 2. The shoe of claim 1, whereinthe textile two-dimensional region is connected to the outsole unit byvulcanizing the rubber material.
 3. The shoe of claim 1, wherein thetextile two-dimensional region occupies more than 30% of a total areabeneath the foot of the user.
 4. The shoe of claim 1, wherein thetextile two-dimensional region comprises a Strobel sole.
 5. The shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the entire textile two-dimensional region is connectedto the rubber material of the outsole unit.
 6. The shoe of claim 1,wherein the shoe upper is connected to the rubber material of theoutsole unit without a bonding agent.
 7. The shoe of claim 6, whereinthe shoe upper is connected to the outsole unit by vulcanizing therubber material.
 8. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the textiletwo-dimensional region is mechanically connected to the rubber materialof the outsole unit by the rubber material at least partially permeatingthe textile two-dimensional region.
 9. The shoe of claim 1, wherein thetextile two-dimensional region is chemically connected to the rubbermaterial of the outsole unit.
 10. The shoe of claim 1, wherein theoutsole unit is integrally formed as a single piece that comprises atread surface and at least one of the following: a toe cap; a lateralside wing; a medial side wing; and a heel cap.
 11. The shoe of claim 10,wherein the heel cap is integrally formed as a single piece with theoutsole unit such that a heel of a user stretches a material of the heelcap so that the heel cap contours the heel of the user when worn. 12.The shoe of claim 1, wherein the outsole unit is integrally formed as asingle piece that comprises at least one of: at least one first profileelement in a forefoot region, which comprises an indentation disposed ona surface of the at least one first profile element and arranged in adirection of a heel of a wearer when worn; and at least one secondprofile element in a heel region, which comprises an indentationdisposed on a surface of the at least one second profile element andarranged in a direction of toes of wearer when worn.
 13. The shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the outsole unit is integrally formed as a single piecethat comprises at least one third profile element, wherein the at leastone third profile element is arranged at a rim of the outsole unit,wherein the at least one third profile element comprises a defined edgeat the rim.
 14. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising a releasableinsole.
 15. The shoe of claim 14, wherein the releasable insolecomprises a shell element and a cushioning region, wherein the shellelement comprises a larger deformation stiffness than the cushioningregion.
 16. The shoe of claim 15, wherein the shell element comprisesreinforcement wings in a medial region and a lateral region of toejoints.
 17. The shoe of claim 14, wherein the releasable insolecomprises at least one of the following: a heel support; a midfootsupport; a recess for an electronic component; and a reinforcement foilin at least one of a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heelregion; wherein the reinforcement foil comprises thermoplasticpolyurethane.
 18. The shoe of claim 17, wherein the reinforcement foilincreases a stiffness of the releasable insole.
 19. The shoe of claim 1,wherein the rubber material comprises at least one of the followingmaterials: butyl-rubber, butadiene-rubber, natural rubber,styrene-butadiene-rubber, and nitrile-rubber.
 20. The shoe of claim 1,wherein the rubber material comprises nitrile-rubber comprising at leastone of the following materials in parts: ethylene-vinyl-acetate,lignosulfonate, and silanes.
 21. A method of manufacturing a shoe, themethod comprising: (a) positioning a mounting in a molding arrangement,wherein a shoe upper and a textile two-dimensional region connected tothe shoe upper, which extends beneath a foot of a user of the shoe whenworn, are arranged on the mounting; (b) positioning at least one solematerial comprising a rubber material in at least one recess located inat least one of the molding arrangement, the shoe upper, and the textiletwo-dimensional region; (c) closing the molding arrangement; and (d)connecting the rubber material to the textile two-dimensional regionwithout a bonding agent.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein step (d)comprises vulcanizing the rubber material under at least one of pressureand heat.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the vulcanizing in step(d) is performed under the following conditions: a temperature in theclosed molding arrangement of 150° C.-200° C.; a closing force of themolding arrangement of 100 kg-200 kg; and a duration of thevulcanization process of 5 min-15 min.
 24. The method of claim 21,wherein the molding arrangement comprises at least one fixed part and aplurality of movable mold parts that form an essentially closed moldingspace after closing the molding arrangement in step (c).
 25. The methodof claim 24, wherein, prior to closing the molding arrangement in step(c), a two-dimensional piece of the at least one sole material ispositioned within a corresponding recess of at least one of theplurality of movable mold parts.